ROLLA, Mo., Oct. 3, 2014 /Christian Newswire/ -- The 2014 Awards Committee of the Christian Coaches Network (CCN) is pleased to announce two winners for the Judy Santos Award of Excellence in Christian Coaching. Christopher McCluskey has been selected as winner for his pioneering efforts, and Janice LaVore-Fletcher has been selected as winner for her servant leadership.

"This is the inaugural year to present the Judy Santos Award and we couldn't be more honored to recognize these two outstanding individuals," said Marcie Thomas, CCN Executive Director. "Both McCluskey and LaVore-Fletcher clearly exemplify the essence of the award and the foundational tenets of CCN. They are both accomplished entrepreneurs who have contributed much to the Christian coaching community," said Thomas.

McCluskey's pioneering achievements include launching one of the first professional coach training programs taught from a distinctly Christian perspective. Since 2000, McCluskey has trained over 2000 coaches. He is the founder and president of the Professional Christian Coaching Institute. He was a founding board member of CCN and the Christian Coaching Magazine. He has produced numerous articles, conferences and keynotes on distinctly Christian coaching. He also served as a contributor to Dr. Gary Collins landmark book, Christian Coaching: Helping Others Turn Potential into Reality (2001, NavPress). McCluskey is a Professional Certified Coach through the International Coaching Federation (ICF) and a Certified Master Christian Coach through CCN.

"Chris continues to be a pioneer. His motto at the Profession Christian Coaching Institute (PCCI) is 'Raising the standard.' This he continues to do in all respects," said Dr. Michael J. Marx, CCN President.

LaVore-Fletcher's servant leadership is exemplified best in her launch of a "no-cost" alumni group dedicated to the continued business success of her former students. LaVore-Fletcher received overwhelming support from her students with remarks including "encouraging, humble, and faith-in-action" and "No matter the obstacle, she tirelessly leads, gives and inspires her students." An early and passionate supporter of the coaching movement, LaVore-Fletcher trained with Thomas Leonard at Coach U in the mid-nineties and then served as a charter member of Leonard's Coachville organization. LaVore-Fletcher launched one of the first Christian coach training programs licensed by the International Association of Coaching (IAC). Later she developed a Christian coaching program approved by the (ICF). She is the founder and president of the Christian Coach Institute. LaVore-Fletcher holds the Professional Certified Coach credential through the ICF, and the ICF Certified Mentor Coach through InviteCHANGE, the Master Masteries Coach through the IAC, holds the Board Certified Coach credential through the Center for Credentialing and Education and the Certified Professional Christian Coach credential through CCN. Janice is also a Commissioned Stephen Minister.

"Janice embodies the type of servant leadership which Judy Santos set as an example," said Marx.

Nominations for the Judy Santos Award are sought in February of each year via email communication to CCN's current membership and through Christian coaching social media groups and outlets. The CCN member-driven Award Committee reviews, vets, and votes on the nominations. Successful candidates should have clearly demonstrated pioneering efforts and possess strong evidence of humble servant leadership. The Judy Santos Award recipients receive a monetary gift, a beautiful hand-polished optical crystal award, a press release announcement, free conference registration, and a free CCN one year membership.

About the Judy Santos Award for Excellence in Christian CoachingJudy Santos, MCC, CMCC was the founder and president of the Christian Coaches Network for its first 12 years. She was a pioneer in the field, training professional Christian coaches through Coach University and the Christian Track at the Institute for Life Coach Training. She also privately mentored coaches for years–many of whom have become thought leaders, trainers and program developers.

Through the Christian Coaches Network, Judy established a high standard for skills and competency in the profession through a three-tiered credentialing system and a clear statement of faith for those holding themselves out as distinctly Christian coaches. The Judy Santos Award for Coaching Excellence was established to honor her legacy.

About CCN: The Christian Coaches Network CCNs mission is to further the advancement of excellence, professional coaching standards, and ethics in the Christian coaching industry. Our goal is to set a standard of professionalism and excellence in alignment with Christian beliefs for Christian coaching across the globe. CCN is a non-profit membership organization formed by professionals and organizations worldwide who advocate, educate, train, develop, practice, or research coaching and especially Christian coaching. To learn more, visit www.christiancoaches.com.